Related Articles

When engaging in e-commerce, using a third-party payment processor can make it possible for your website to accept credit card and car payments for a small fee. In this arena, both Google Checkout and PayPal are commonly used by webmasters. While they offer similar benefits, they don't have all of the same features.

Accounts

One of the key differences between PayPal and Google Checkout is the use of user accounts. When you buy something with PayPal, you don't have to create a new user account. While existing PayPal customers can make purchases with their accounts, you don't need an account to buy. By comparison, with Google Checkout, you must have a Google account. When you make a purchase with Google Checkout, you must open an account with Google at that point.

Promoting Google

When you make a "Buy Now" button with PayPal, you have many different options that will allow you to customize your button. By comparison, with a Google Checkout button, you'll see a button that says something about buying with Google Checkout. Near the button, a link is present that provides information about the Google Checkout program. This means that if you participate in the Google Checkout program, Google will use that to promote its own brand a bit.

Customer Support

If something goes wrong during the checkout process, you may need to contact customer service to get the transaction fixed. When you use PayPal, you always have the option of calling or sending an email to get the problem addressed. By comparison, with Google, you can contact only through email. Sometimes, it's easier to simply speak to someone over the phone instead of dealing with automated customer support options when you need help.

Payment Options

The payment options associated with each type of merchant account also differ. With Google Checkout, your customers can use debit cards or credit cards when making a payment. With PayPal, your customers can use debit cards, credit cards and the balances in their PayPal accounts. Another option is to have money deducted from a bank account to cover PayPal expenses. This provides your customers with more options to consider when it comes to making a payment for one of your goods or services.

About the Author

Luke Arthur has been writing professionally since 2004 on a number of different subjects. In addition to writing informative articles, he published a book, "Modern Day Parables," in 2008. Arthur holds a Bachelor of Science in business from Missouri State University.